Downtown Teen Center Rec Leader II - H (Multiple Positions)

Job Description:

Downtown Teen Center Rec Leader II - H (Multiple Positions)

Description

Description

Now Hiring Teen Center Staff - Help Launch Palo Alto’s New Downtown Teen Space! Apply Today!

The Department

The City of Palo Alto has a long and proud history of investing in recreation - creating opportunities for connection, creativity, and community. Through innovative programs and welcoming spaces, Palo Alto Recreation plays a vital role in supporting residents of all ages, with a special focus on empowering youth to thrive.

The Opportunity

We’re hiring three passionate, creative, and community-minded individuals to join the team as Teen Center Staff at the brand-new Downtown Community Center (445 Bryant Street) - opening in January 2026!

This exciting new North Palo Alto space will be a vibrant after-school hangout for middle and high school students, offering games, art, activities, and opportunities to connect, create, and grow. Teen Center Staff will help shape the energy, programming, and culture of this new space - turning it into a hub where teens feel seen, supported, and inspired.

If you love working with youth, building community, and being part of something new, this is your chance to make a lasting impact from the ground up.

Tentative Schedule: Monday through Friday, 2:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m., with occasional weekend work.

About the Downtown Teen Center

The Downtown Teen Center will be Palo Alto’s newest youth-focused space - a drop-in hangout designed for teens to unwind, get creative, and connect after school.

Much like its sister location at Mitchell Park, the center will feature a mix of recreational games and enrichment programs, including:
Video games & ping pong

Boardgames & foosball

Art projects & workshops

Study zones & leadership activities

The Teen Center will also host special events, seasonal programs, and community collaborations, giving teens a chance to explore new interests and build lifelong skills in a supportive, welcoming environment.

Duties

Teen Center Counselor Responsibilities:

• Create an engaging, inclusive, and safe environment where teens can relax and express themselves.
• Lead and participate in recreational, creative, and educational programs such as art, sports, and life-skills workshops.
• Build positive relationships with youth while serving as a trusted mentor and role model.
• Support teens in discovering new passions, developing confidence, and fostering leadership.
• Work with the Teen Center Site Director and Youth & Teen Services Coordinator to plan, deliver, and evaluate programs.
• Communicate effectively and professionally with participants, parents, and team members.
• Help maintain a clean, organized, and inviting space.
• Participate in meetings, trainings, and special events.
• May lead or mentor Teen Counselor I staff as part of daily operations.
• Comply with all City of Palo Alto policies and procedures and perform related duties as assigned.

Desired Qualifications

Sufficient education, training, and/or work experience to demonstrate the possession of the following knowledge, skills, and abilities, which would typically be acquired through:

• At least one year of experience working with children or teens in a formal setting.
• Demonstrated skill in youth instruction and engagement.
• At least one year of leadership experience (e.g., mentoring peers, leading groups, or supervising programs).

Experience in recreation, education, or youth development is a plus.

Why You’ll Love Working Here

This is your opportunity to be part of something new, meaningful, and fun - shaping a space that empowers the next generation. As part of the City of Palo Alto’s Youth and Teen Services team, you’ll:
Make a direct impact in your community

Collaborate with passionate, supportive colleagues

Develop valuable leadership and recreation experience

Help launch one of the most exciting new youth spaces in town

If you’re energized by creativity, connection, and community, we’d love to have you on the team!

Supplemental Information

The Selection Process: Applicants are encouraged to apply early as possible. Applications will be reviewed promptly upon receipt and screenings and interviews will begin as soon as posting requirements are met and a sufficient applicant pool is found.

This position is represented by Service Employee International Union Hourly Unit (SEIU-H).

Compensation (SEIU-H) : Comprehensive compensation plan, to learn more click HERE.

This position has limited benefits that is budgeted to not exceed 999 hours per fiscal year (July - June). The number of hours per week and schedule will be determined based on assignment. In lieu of providing a medical plan, the City offers a medical stipend of $3.48.

Our online application system is provided by NeoGov . If you have problems while applying online, please contact NeoGov's Live Applicant Support at (855) 524-5627 between 6:00 AM and 5:00 PM Pacific Time, Monday - Friday.

The City of Palo Alto is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the City will provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.

City of Palo Alto offers the following benefits to those in a SEIU Hourly position:

Medical Stipend
$3.80 effective the pay period including July 1, 2024.

Sick Leave
Earn .03 hour of sick leave for each hour worked.

Retirement
City of Palo Alto PST (Part-time, Seasonal & Temporary Employees) Retirement Plan

Please note: The City does not participate in CA State Disability Insurance (SDI) or Social Security.

Closing Date/Time: 10/23/2025 11:59 PM Pacific

Salary:

$21.19 - $26.02 Hourly